Millennium Village Bugesera The Reconciliation Tour

After a 40-minute drive from Kigali and an introduction to the MVP, you start your excursion with a visit to the nearby genocide memorial site where you can gain a better understanding of the historical and cultural context within which Rwanda’s development challenges arise.

The red-brick church at Nyamata is peacefully situated, shadowed by acacia trees. Nyamata Church, however, is the site where some of the most brutal killings of the 1994 genocide took place. The church was seen as a safe place by almost 5,000 people, many of whom were women and children seeking sanctuary. But Ntarama was not safe at all. The victims of the genocide remain there, their bones still strewn with lifeless chaos where they fell in 1994. Their belongings cover the floor: clothes, suitcases, a child's white sock – the last remnants of a desperate flight for life.

Following your visit to the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, you'll have the opportunity to engage in a series of enriching experiences showcasing various MVP interventions. These activities are only paused for a locally prepared lunch, hosted in a village home, where you can immerse yourself in the area's traditional cuisine. You may even participate in cooking lessons, learning to prepare local dishes, and enjoy lively, thought-provoking conversations with your hosts over lunch.
After lunch you will meet women from three recognized handicraft associations. Some of its members will introduce the complete basket weaving process to you and are glad to also teach their skills if you are interested. You further have the opportunity to support this valuable initiative by buying a few products on offer, and you will also receive a traditional gift from the women. 246 women between the ages of 19-76 directly benefit from this project by producing about 45 items per week.

As final highlight of the excursion, you will enjoy a traditional ubusabane or “get together” ceremony together with numerous members of the community, their local leaders, and their cultural troupes. What makes this experience particularly remarkable is the location: In the settlement we chose, there are 120 households and 540 residents. 30 of the houses were constructed by the government for genocide resettlers in an exemplary effort of reconciliation. Today, 20 of them are inhabited by survivors, 12 by perpetrators and 3 by returnees.

To make this more tangible for you, members of reconciliation Village who compromise of both victims and perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi are happy to give testimony as to how they manage to live and work together in harmony. In addition, you will enjoy traditional dancing and local drinks. And, since this is a very welcome form of local entertainment, you will be joined by numerous community members who celebrate with you.